would you like to go to medical school?
Do you like caring for others? Are you interested in the anatomy and physiology of the human body? Have you known a friend or family member with a health care problem that you truly wished you could have helped with? If so, Gulf Coast State College can help prepare you for a career as a physician. As a physician, you will work with patients to help prevent, diagnose and treat a wide variety of injuries, diseases, and disorders. Physicians can specialize in a wide variety of areas from pediatrics to geriatrics, radiology to anesthesiology, surgery to general medicine, and the list goes on. You can work in a hospital, with a group of physicians, or as a solo practitioner. Good doctors are needed everywhere, salaries are among the highest of any profession, and job security is excellent.
Check out the Bureau of Labor Statistics information on wages and job demand for physicians and surgeons.
What does it take to start on the path to your new medical career?
For a career as a physician, you need to earn your bachelor’s degree before being accepted into medical school. Gulf Coast State College in Panama City, Florida, has some of the lowest tuition rates in the state, but provides high-quality education. Class sizes are small and offer the ability to have ‘one-on-one’ attention with your professors. Starting with a two-year degree in Gulf Coast’s Medical AA University Transfer Track helps you save money on your overall education costs and prepares you for success at a top university in Florida. Physician educational requirements include 4 years of undergraduate school, 4 years of medical school, and then typically at least four years or more (depending on the chosen specialty) of residency and possibly fellowship training. State medical schools are located at UF, USF, and FSU. The University of Miami has a private medical school. In addition, due to some variability between medical schools, students should also verify the MSAR (Medical School Admission Requirements) through the www.aamc.org website link https://students-residents.aamc.org/choosing-medical-career/medical-school-101/
It is extremely important to remain in contact with your advisor.
Jim Sheetz
Associate Professor
850-769-1551 ext. 2859
jsheetz@gulfcoast.edu